also: みよ
noun
three temporal states of existence; past, present, and future
Buddhist term referring to the three periods of time: past, present, and future. Used in doctrinal contexts.
仏教では三世にわたる因果を説く。
Buddhism teaches causality across the three temporal states of existence.
noun
Only with reading さんぜ
Refers to three generations of a family, such as grandparents, parents, and children. Reading is さんぜ.
三世が同居する家は少なくなった。
Homes where three generations live together have become fewer.
Obsolete reading; learners should use さんぜ.
三世帯 specifically means a three-generation household, while 三世 can refer to the three generations themselves or the Buddhist concept.
From 三 (three) and 世 (generation, world, era). The Buddhist sense is a direct translation of the Sanskrit term trayo-dhvanah.